First Year of Football: 1882 All-Time Record: 616-471-51 All-Time Pac-10 Record: 272-302-21 All-Time Bowl Record/Appearances: 10-8-1 Last Bowl Appearance: 2008 (def. Miami in Emerald Bowl)
HEAD COACH JEFF TEDFORD (Fresno State 1983) Seventh Year at California
Record at California: 59-30 (.663), 6 years Overall Career Record: Same
Coaching Experience Embarking in his seventh season at the Golden Bears' helm ... prior to arriving in Berkeley, was the Offensive Coordinator at Oregon ... also coached at his alma mater, Fresno State, and in the CFL ... led Cal to a share of the Conference crown in 2007.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE GOLDEN BEARS OFFENSE:California returns seven starters on offense with the headliner being All-Pac-10 TB Jahvid Best, among the favorites for the Heisman Trophy entering 2009. Best led the Pac-10 in rushing by a large margin and had eye-popping numbers. He rushed for 1,580 yards (131.7 yards per game) and 15 TDs, while averaging 8.1 yards per carry. The yards were good for third in rushing in the nation. Best also led the Pac-10 in all-purpose yards (187.2 yards per game) and kickoff returns. Cal always seems to have two good tailbacks as backup Shane Vereen rushed for 715 yards, as well. Also back is starting QB Kevin Riley, although he may have to battle to hold off talented youngster Brock Mansion.
DEFENSE: Eight starters return to a defensive unit that ranked second in the Pac-10 in scoring defense last year at 19.9 points per game. Included are all the starters on the defensive line and the entire starting secondary. DEs Tyson Alualu and Cameron Jordan anchor the line and stellar CB Syd’Quan Thompson is the leader in a veteran secondary. Three good linebackers need to be replaced, but LB Mike Mohamed is considered a rising star.
THE SCHEDULE: Cal plays six at home and six on the road after completing last season 7-0 at home, but just 1-4 away from Memorial Stadium. The Bears have a rugged early stretch with road games at Minnesota and Oregon, followed by a home game vs. USC.
